Elena Williams

Elena Williams (centre).

Elena Williams is a consultant specialising in Australia-Indonesia higher education and student mobility. From 2013-2017 she served as Resident Director with the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), and in 2018 was appointed as a board member with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia-Indonesia Institute.

Ms Williams is a passionate advocate for in-country language learning and has seen first-hand the impact that in-country study can have on the lives and careers of those who pursue it. According to Ms Williams, language learning has ‘The ability to change lives. Not only for Australian and Indonesian students as they get to know each other, but also for their parents, partners, colleagues and communities. Language learning plays a significant role in building these connections,’ she said.

Ms Williams said ‘I was part of a generation lucky enough to find Indonesian classes at my primary and high schools, and at university I was fortunate enough to spend a year studying in Yogyakarta. I was hooked.’ 

Ms Williams’ time in-country led to into a deep interest in Indonesian society and politics, which in turn led to volunteering work, her Honours degree at Sydney University and a Masters in Gender and Development Studies at the Australian National University. Subsequently she has worked to provide other Australian students with the opportunity to enjoy similarly life-changing experiences in Indonesia.

‘The Australia-Indonesia relationship has had its ups and downs over the years, but I am confident that the future looks bright as young Australians and Indonesians continue to forge new ways of breaking down barriers and getting to know each other, through language learning, volunteering, and study abroad.’